Learning a new language opens doors to different cultures, professions, and opportunities. Among the many areas where language is crucial, none is more dependent on precise terminology than the legal field. If you’re tackling Hebrew and have an interest in law, or simply want to expand your vocabulary, here are some essential legal and law-related Hebrew terms, complete with definitions and usage examples.

חוק (Chok) – “Law” or “Statute”
One of the primary terms in any legal system, חוק refers to a written law passed by a legislative body.

הכנסת קיבלה חוק חדש שמגן על זכויות העובדים.
(The Knesset passed a new law that protects workers’ rights.)

דין (Din) – “Law” or “Judgement”
דין is used to refer to the law in the abstract sense, as well as the judgment handed down in a legal matter.

לפי הדין, הנאשם זכאי לערעור בתוך שלושים יום.
(According to the law, the defendant is entitled to an appeal within thirty days.)

שופט (Shofet) – “Judge”
The individual responsible for making decisions in a court of law.

השופט החליט לדחות את התביעה שהוגשה.
(The judge decided to dismiss the lawsuit that was filed.)

עורך דין (Orech Din) – “Lawyer”
This term refers to a person who practices law and provides legal services.

עורך הדין שלי הסביר לי את כל האופציות שלי.
(My lawyer explained all my options to me.)

בית משפט (Beit Mishpat) – “Court”
The place where legal cases are heard and decided.

ניתן לערער על פסק הדין בבית המשפט העליון.
(The judgment can be appealed in the Supreme Court.)

תביעה (Tvi’a) – “Claim” or “Lawsuit”
This refers to the act of bringing a case to court or the legal demand itself.

התביעה נדונה למשך מספר שעות.
(The claim was discussed for several hours.)

הגנה (Hagana) – “Defense”
In a legal context, הגנה is the argument put forth to defend against a claim or accusation.

עורך הדין עבד על הגנה חזקה ללקוח שלו.
(The lawyer worked on a strong defense for his client.)

חשד (Chashad) – “Suspicion”
Refers to the belief or feeling that someone might be guilty of an illegal act.

יש חשד כבד שהנאשם ביצע את הפשע.
(There is heavy suspicion that the defendant committed the crime.)

ראיות (Re’ayot) – “Evidence”
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

התובע הציג ראיות חדשות ששינו את מהלך המשפט.
(The prosecutor presented new evidence that changed the course of the trial.)

זכות (Zchut) – “Right”
This term encompasses any legal entitlement or privilege.

כל ילד בישראל זכאי לחינוך בסיסי חינם.
(Every child in Israel is entitled to free basic education.)

חוזה (Choze) – “Contract”
An agreement with specific terms between two or more persons or entities in which there is a promise to do something in return for a valuable benefit.

הצדדים חתמו על חוזה לאחר משא ומתן ממושך.
(The parties signed a contract after prolonged negotiations.)

עד (Ed) – “Witness”
A person who saw or knows something and is legally capable of testifying about it.

העד סיפר מה שראה ביום התאונה.
(The witness recounted what he saw on the day of the accident.)

תיק (Tik) – “File” or “Dossier”
A collection of documents about a particular case, person, or matter.

השופט בדק את התיק לפני שפתח את הדיון.
(The judge reviewed the file before starting the hearing.)

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll gain a stronger grasp of legal Hebrew vocabulary. Whether you are aiming for fluency or just looking to understand the basics, these words will be a valuable addition to your language toolkit. Happy studying!